Method and apparatus for splicing yarns



Jan. 1, 1963 F. A. DE TOLEDO ETAL 3,070,947

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SPLICING YARNS Filed Oct. 5, 1959 A INVENTORS E w? FERNANDO ALI/APE! or 754500 6? GEORGE 5. McfueoY H 12 Figio:: WW

58 ATTORNEYS United States This invention relates to the joining or splicing of yarns and more especially to a method of and apparatus for splicing yarns through the application of a solvent-dispersible resin to yarn ends in effecting a splice.

In the handling and processing of textile yarns and threads, it is necessary to join, splice or secure together yarn or thread ends to make the yarns or threads continuous. Heretofore it has been conventional practice to unite ends of yarns or threads by hand and such procedure involves the application of a suitable adhesive or binder in a flowable or tacky condition to overlapping thread ends and imparting a rolling motion to the ends by the fingers to effect a splice. The performance of a splicing operation by hand not only requires the exercise of skill but the fingers of the operator become coated with the adhesive and the adhesive must be periodically removed. Furthermore, splices made by hand are not uniform and quite often are not smooth, and frayed filament ends are not always tucked in.

Manually formed splices which are bulky or of nonsmooth character are objectionable in processing operations in that they obstruct or impair the smooth passage of the yarns or threads through the small guide eyes and eye holes in textile machines. Furthermore the presence of nonuniform or rough splices in woven or finished fabric impairs the quality of the product, especially in the finer grades. In hand splicing, it is difiicult to provide a uniform amount of overlap of the thread ends resulting in splices of different lengths.

The present invention embraces a method of forming a splice between yarn or thread ends especially usable for splicing yarns or threads formed of fine glass fibers or filaments, the method involving the application of a strip or section of solvent-softenable resin in contiguous relation with the overlapping yarn or thread ends and softening the resin to disperse the resin throughout the region of overlap and concomitantly effecting a rolling or twisting action of the overlapping ends and evaporating the solvent to coalesce the resin to form a splice.

Another object of the invention resides in a method of splicing yarns by disposing a section or strip'of resin of slightly greater length than the length of overlap of yarn ends at the overlapping region, applying a solvent to soften and dispersethe resin throughout the region of overlap and slightly beyond the overlap whereby the ends of the filaments or fibers are tucked in and bonded by the resin to form a smooth splice without any appreciable enlargement of the yarn size or thickness at the region of the splice.

Another object of the invention resides in an apparatus for effecting a splice of overlapping yarn or thread ends atent O and manipulate the same to effect a splice without handling a tacky adhesive or binder.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus embodying means to effect severing of the overlapping yarn ends to establish a uniform length of overlap and means for applying sections of soluble resin of defined length as a bonding medium in effecting a splice.

Another object is the provision of a yarn splicer wherein the overlapping yarn ends and a section of splicing binder are engaged by resilient surfaces, and a resin softening liquid delivered onto the overlapping region and resin section by mechanical means through an opening in one of the surfaces whereby a splice may be effected between the surfaces without contact of the operators fingers with the solvent.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a method and apparatus for splicing yarns, threads or strands formed of glass filaments or fibers providing high strength smooth splices. of uniform size and character wherein the filament or fiber ends are tucked in.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this invention such as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of the related elements of the structure, to various details of construction and to combinations of parts, elements per se, and to economies of manufacture and numerous other features as will be apparent from a consideration of the specification and drawing of a form of the invention, which may be preferred, in which:

FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of the yarn splicer of the invention illustrating the slide or carriage in retracted open position;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the construction shown in FIGURE 1 with the slide in closed or yarn engaging position;

FIGURE 3 is a front end view of the splicer;

FIGURE 4 is a side elevational view of the yarn splicer;

FIGURE 5 is a rear end view of the splicer;

FIGURE 6 is an isometric view of a severing means forming a component of the construction;

FIGURE 7 is an isometric view illustrating a solvent delivering means forming a part of the construction;

FIGURE 8 is an elevational view showing one form of solvent delivery nozzle;

FIGURE 9 is a modified form of a solvent delivery nozzle, and

FIGURE 10 is a plan view of the severing means shown in FIGURE 6.

While the method and yarn splicing arrangement of the invention is particularly usable for joining or splicing ends of glass yarn, strands or the like, it is to be understood that the apparatus may be employed for splicing or joining textile ends of other materials which are not adversely affected by the binder or splicing resin. The reference to yarns as used herein is intended to include strands and threads formed of staple fiber or continuous filaments.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the splicing unit or apparatus is inclusive of a frame construction 10 comprising a member or plate 12 joined with side plates 14 and 16. Secured to the plate 12 is a substantially rectangular receptacle 18 formed of a U-shaped member 20, the side walls of which are welded or otherwise joined to the plate 12. v

The receptacle includes front and rear end plates 22 and 24 respectively which are secured or brazed tothe U-shaped member 20 and the end regions of the plate 12. Through this arrangement a rectangularly shaped receptacle is provided defined by the plate 12, member 20, and end plates 22 and 24, The end plate 2 2 isprovided with a hollow threaded fitting 26'adapted to receive a threaded closure 27, the hollow fitting being provided to fill the receptacle 18 with a solvent such as acetone.

Welded to or integrally joined with the side portions 14 and 16 are upwardly projecting plates or members 30 and 32 formed with longitudinally arranged sfots 34 to slidably accommodate a shaft or rod 36. The shaft 36 provides a pivotal support for a slide or member 43 which is adapted for pivotal movement about the axis of the shaft 36 and slidable movement with the shaft 36 for purposes hereinafter explained. The slide 40 comprises a member having a planar central portion 42 and spaced depending portions 44, the shaft 36 extending through openings in the depending portions 44. The shaft 36 is held against axial movement by rings 46 disposed in circumferential grooves in the shaft. The central planar region 42 at its forward zone is equipped with a platen or pad 50 preferably formed of resilient or yielda'ble material such as closed cell neoprene rubber or the like. The central portion .42 is formed with a forwardly extending dovetail-shaped projection 52 providing V-shaped' portions 54 shown in FIGURE 2. The pad 50 is fashioned with an extension 56 shown in FIGURE 1 which is coincident with the central region of the projection 52. Disposed adjacent the projection 52 is a yarn severing means 58 for severing or cutting the yarn ends and resin strand section .or strip which is held in place on the extension 56 by a rivet 96 and a clip 60 which takes over and embraces an edge region of the severing means 58 and the projection 52 in the manner illustrated inFIGURE 1.

As shown in FIGURES 6 and 10, the yarn severing means comprises a U-shaped member having side walls 60 which terminate in outwardly extending flanges 62 as shown in FIGURES 6. and 10. The flanges 62 are defined by forwardly converging edges, each edge being shaped at an intermediate region with a curved recess 64. The edges 63 and the circular edge regions defining the recesses 64 are beveled or sharpened to present sever.- ing or knife edges.

The severing means is adapted for cutting or severing the extremities of overlapping yarns and for severing a length of .solvent-softenable resin preferably in strand form for use as a bonding material for splicing the overlapping yarn ends. The sealing strand or linear body may be formed of cellulose acetate or other sealing or binder strip which is fusible or softenable under the application of a suitable solvent or liquid suchas acetone and which will coalesce in a comparatively shortv period. of

time.

The resin componentor strip is of the multifilament type as the fine individual filaments thereof are more quickly softened by the solvent. A monofilament resin strip may be employed but more time is required'to soften the same with solvent.

The plate 12 of the frame structure is provided'with or supports a platen or pad 70' which is also formed of resilient material such as closed cell neoprene rubber or the like. This pad is disposed between the parallel side walls 30 and 32 as particularly shown in FIGURES l, 2 and 3. The frame structure supports means for releasably holding yarns in substantially parallel relation during a splicing or bonding operation. A yarn holding means is disposed at each side of the frame 10.

Secured'to each of the frame members or plates 30 and 32 is a bracket 72 which is brazed, welded or otherwise secured to the adjacent supporting plate. Each of the brackets is formed with a pair of, outwardly extending ears 74 arranged in parallel relation and form supports for relatively movable, yarn engaging means 76. Each of the yarn engaging means includes a member 78 preferably formed of metal provided intermediate its ends with laterally extending ears or portions 80 which extend l7aetween and overlap the cars .74 formed on the bracket The o e ppin r or ea portions 74 and 80. are

provided with aligned openings to accommodate a pivot pin 82 which provides a pivotal or articulate support for each of the yarn engaging members 76. The forwardly extending portions of each of the members 78 is provided with a flexible or resilient pad 84 which is cemented or otherwise bonded to each of the members 78. The pads 84 are also preferably formed of resilient material such as closed cell neoprene rubber.

Spring means 85, shown in FIGURE 5, associated with the yarn retaining means 76 normally biases the same in directions to grip the yarn between the pads 84 andthe plates 30 and 32. Each of the members 76 is provided with an upwardly extending projection 86. The plate portion 42 of the movable carriage or slide 40 is formed at its lateral edge regions with angularly inclined portions 88, the leading edge regions thereof being chamfere'd as shown at 92.

When the carriage is in a position contiguous with the frame 10, the chamfered leading edges 92 and the inclined ed-ge regions 88 form cam surfaces which, upon forward slidable movement of the carriage 40, engage the projections 86 of the yarn gripping members 76 to release the yarns which are frictionally engaged with the pads 84 for purposes hereinafter explained. The carriage 40 is equipped with means adapted to support a supply, bobbin, or spool of linear resinous material, such as multifilament acetate strand, utilized as a bond for the splice.

As particularly shown in FIGURES 2 and 4; a sheet metal member 94 has aplanar portion 95 secured to the plate 42 by means of a rivet- 9'6 or other securing means. The member 94 is formed" with a portion 97 which is adapted, under the inherent flexure of the metal, to engage an upper surface of a bobbin 98 which contains a supply of resinous strip material. The portion 97 is provided with a circular projection 99 which extends into the hollow interior of the'bobbin 98. The plate 42 is provided with a rivet 100, the head of which is adapted to extend into the interior of the bobbin as shown in FIG- URE 4.

Thus, the projection 99 and the head of the rivet 100 providemeans'for supporting the bobbin whereby it may be rotated to advance or payout the resinous strip to the splicing station.- Also secured by the rivet 96 to the plate 42 is a sheet metal clip 104 which supports a block 106 of resilient material, such as closed cell neoprene rubber, which is provided with akerf or slot 108 as shown in FIGURES 3 and 5.

In paying out the resin strip from the bobbin 98, the strip is drawn'through the kerf 108 and the resiliency of the material of the block 106 exerts friction on the strip of resin to-maintain the strip taut as it is withdrawn to anoperative position as. hereinafter explained.

The arrangement is inclusive of means for ejecting or delivering a liquid solvent for softening the resinous section or strip at'the overlapping zone 110 of the yarn ends at the splicing station. The receptacle 1% is adapted to contain a liquid, such as acetone, utilized for the purpose of softening or rendering the resinfluid to effect a splice. Disposed within the receptacleis an' arrangement of tubular means and a' pump structure shown at 114 in FIG- URE' 7.

The arrangement includes a tubular body member 115 provided with a tubular extension 116, the extremity of the extension 116. being; threaded to accommodate a nozzle 118, one form of which is shown in FIGURE 8. The nozzle 113 is formed with a kerf or slot through whichthe liquid isdelivered. to a slit or kerf 122 formed in the resilient pad or platen 70 shown in FIGURE 1. The slit. 122, is arranged in the. platen 76 at a zone. at whichthe. overlapping yarns. and resin section are assembled and partially twisted during the formation of the splice.

Welded or brazed to the tubular member 115 is a transversely extending pump cylinder 124 and a tubular member 126.- The pump cylinder is formed with a threaded tenon portion 128 which extends through a threaded bushing 129 which when drawn up secures the pump cylinder 124 in fixed position.

The tubular member 126 is interiorly threaded and registers with an opening in the receptacle wall 14 and is adapted to receive a securing bolt 130 to maintain the tubular assembly 114 in proper position within the receptacle 18.

Slidably mounted within the cylinder 124 is a piston or plunger (not shown) secured to a plunger rod 132 provided with a manipulating button or knob 133. The rod 132 and piston connected therewith are adapted to be reciprocated by manipulation of the knob 133. A spring (not shown) isdisposed within the cylinder and normally urges the plunger 132 to its outermost position shown in FIGURES l and 2. A fitting135 is threaded onto the tenon 128 and forms a stuffing gland to prevent seepage or loss of liquid along the plunger rod 132.

The tubular member 115 is equipped with ball check -valves, one being arranged at the inlet end of the tube .115 and the other in the tubular member 115 at the left of the juncture of the cylinder 124 therewith, whereby depression of the plunger-132 and pistonexerts pressure upon the liquid in the tubular member 115 and, through the medium of the check valves, the liquid in the cylinder 1 24 is projected through the outlet tube 116, nozzle 118 and through the slit 122 in the pad 70 to the splicing region. FIGURE 9 illustrates a modified form of nozzle construction for delivering liquid to the splicing zone. The liquid conveying duct or pipe 116 has its outlet region flattened as shown at 136 to provide an elongated nozzle 137 for delivering liquid into the slit 122 formed in the resilient platen 70.

The method of the invention includes the steps of delivering a softenable resin strip at an overlapping zone of yarn ends and subjecting the overlapping yarn ends Y and Y and the stripto a rolling action to impart a false twist tothe yarn ends while the resin strip is maintained contiguous to the overlapping region of the yarns.

A small amount of resin softening liquid or solvent is delivered into the region of the overlapping yarns and resin strip to soften the resin A further twisting of the yarn ends is effected, during which step the softened or liquid resin is dispersed throughout the filaments of the yarns at theoverlappingzone. The liquid is evaporated and the dispersed resin again solidifies or coalesces' and bonds the yarn ends together in a finished splice.

'The operation of the apparatus disclosed for use in A strip of acetate resin (cellulose acetate) has been found to besatisfactory as a splicing medium as it is readily softened or dispersed by acetone and, after formation of the splice, the acetone is quickly evaporated. A

spool or bobbin 98 containing a supply of acetate resin R as a multifilament body is disposed between the clip 97 and the upper surface of the carriage plate 42, the spool being retained by the rivet head 100 on the plate 42 and 4 a raised portion formed on the resilient clip 97 whereby the spool is rotatable to facilitate withdrawal of the strip.

The resin strip from the spool is threaded through the slot 108 in the yieldable member 106 the resiliency of which provides a friction component to prevent free movement of the strip.

I The operator holds the splicer in one hand and manipulates one of the spring clips 76 to thread the yarn end Y between the pad 84 and the side of the frame member 32 and drapes the loose end acrossthe pad 70 as shown in The same operation is repeated as to the FIGURE 1.

clips 76 whereby the yarn or strand ends overlap and are in substantial parallelism as illustrated in FIGURE 1.

It should be noted that substantially greater lengths of the yarns extend across the pad to provide for subsequent severing of the end portion of each yarn to provide a defined overlapping region. The strip of resin R is pulled through the slot 108 and is draped around the severing means 58 in the manner shown in FIGURE 1 with the carriage 40 in its elevated or open position, the strip lying fairly taut in engagement with the portion 56 of the pad 50. An excess amount of resin strip is withdrawn from the spool to enable the severing of the strip in a subsequent step.

While maintaining the resin strip R in taut condition in engagement with the pad 50, the carriage 40 is swung about the axis of the shaft 36 to the position shown in FiGURE 4, with the shaft 36 in its rearmost position in the slots 34, that is, its limit of movementin a righthand direction as viewed in FIGURE 4.

In this manner, the pads 50 and 70 are brought into contiguous engaging relation with the acetate strand or strip and yarn ends in substantially parallel overlapping relation between the pads. The carriage should be held in closed position with moderate pressure to maintain the pads in engaging relation.

The operator then snaps the free end portion of the acetate strip and the portion payed out from the spool 98 against the cutting edge regions 63 of the severing means 58 at the rear or widest portionofthe severing means providing a section of strip between the pads equal to the dimension A indicated in FIGURE 10. The free -or distal ends 'of the yarns or strands Y and Y, are severed in the same Way by snapping or severing the yarns in confined relation.

After this operation, the slidable carriage 40, while held in the closed position, is slidably moved in a left-hand direction as viewed in FIGURE 4 through a short distance to effect a rolling action or twisting of the yarns while maintaining the acetate section in contiguous relation therewith. 7 i 1 With the carriage held in this intermediate position, the operator depresses the plunger 132 by exerting pressure on the knob 133, moving the piston in the cylinder 124 and forcing a smal'l amount of acetone contained Within'the tubular members 114 and 116 through the orifice or slot 120 in:the fitting or nozzle 118 thence through the kerf or slot 122 in the pad 70 onto the resin strip and the yarns at the region of overlap.

While still maintaining pressure upon the carriage 40 to hold the pads 50 and 70 in engagement, the operator slides the carriage through a further distance in a leftthe s'lide, the angular or cam surfaces 92.. of the came 88 engage the upwardly extending abutments or projections 86 on the yarn retaining means or clips 76 and 1 move the yarn retaining means 76 about the pivot shafts 82-to effect disengagement of the yarn gripping pads 84 with the yarns. During further forward movement of the slide 40, the cam or edge surfaces" 88 are efiective to strand or yarn Y, by manipulating the other-of the spring hold the' members 76 out of yarn retaining posit-ion.

Through this action the yarns, after being released, roll forwardly, motivated by ,the forward movement of the pad 50 carried by the slide 40.

After the carriage 40 has been moved to its full distance in a left-hand direction as viewed in FIGURE 4, thecarri'age is swung open about the axis of shaft 36 and is moved to its rearmost open position as shown in FIGURE 1. The opening movement of the carriage 40 permits the clips 76 to move to a position re-engaging the pads 84 with the yarns Y and Y to hold them during setting of the resin. Within a few seconds, the acetone at the overlapping region evaporates, and the acetate resin coalesces at the region of overlap, completing the splice. In this manner an effective splice of high strength is formed, joining the yarn ends together wherein the overlap of each splice is of the same length and the amount of resin forming the binding medium of the splice is uniform in each splice. Due to the presence of a resin section of slightly greater length than the overlapping region of the yarn ends, any frayed or free filaments or fibers of the yarns are tucked or bound in by the resin forming a smooth splice. The plunger 132 of the pump or ejection means for the acetone or other solvent is returned to its outermost position under the influence of a spring contained within the cylinder 124 so as to ready the apparatus for a succeeding splicing operation. The method is particularly usable and effective for splicing yarns formed of glass fibers or filaments. It is to be understood that other solvent-softenable resins and other solvents may be utilized in carrying out the method of forming splices.

The forming of a splice may be accomplished by applying heat to a section or length of heat-softenable or fusible material or resin disposed at the region of overlap of the filamentary material or yarns, the fused material bonding the yarn ends together.

It is apparent that, within the scope of the invention, modifications and differentarnangements may be made other than as herein disclosed, and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the invention comprehending all variations thereof.

Weclaim:

l; A method of splicing textile yarns including the steps of disposing yarn ends in overlapping relation, depositing a linear body of softenable resin at the zone of overlap of the yarn ends, twisting the overlap-ping yarns ends in the presence of the resin body, delivering a resin-softening liquid onto the region of overlap of the yarns to soften the resin, and further rolling the yarns to disperse the softened resin whereby to bond the yarn ends together.

2. A method of splicing textile yarns including the steps of disposing yarn ends in overlapping relation, depositing a linear body of softenable resin at the zone of overlap of the yarn ends, severing the extremities of the yarns to establish a defined overlap of the yarns, severing the linear body of resin to retain a portion of the resin body at the overlap'zone of. slightly greater length than the linear overlap of the yarns, rolling the yarns and "resin body to twist the yarns together, applying a volatile resin-softening liquid at the region of twist to soften the resin, and further twisting the yarns to disperse the softened resin at the region of further twist to bond the yarns together.

3. A method of splicing textile yarns including the steps of disposing yarn ends in overlapping relation, depositing a multifilament body of acetate at the zone of overlap of the yarn ends, severing the extremities of the yarns to establish a defined overlap of the yarns, severing the body of acetate to retain a portion of the body at the overlap zone of slightly greater length than the linear overlap of the yarns, twisting the yarns in the presence of the acetate body, delivering acetone onto the region oftwist, further twisting the yarns to disperse the v. sjoftene'd acetate, and. evaporating the acetone to to bond the yarn ends together.

coalesce the dispersed acetate and bond the yarns together.

4. Apparatus for splicing yarns including a receptacle adapted to contain a liquid, an element, means associated with the receptacle mounting said element for movement relative to the receptacle, platens mounted by said element and the receptacle and arranged for engaging relation, means for mounting a supply of resin strip material, said platens in engaging relation being arranged to engage yarn ends in overlapping condition and a section of the resin strip, means for projecting liquid from the receptacle onto the yarn ends and resin section whereby the liquid softens the resin, said element being slidable to effect twisting of the yarn ends in contact with the softened resin to bond the yarn ends together.

5. Apparatus for splicing yarns including in combination, a frame, a receptacle forming a component of the frame adapted to contain a liquid, an element, means mounting said element for movement relative to the frame, pads mounted on said element and frame, releasable yarn retaining means, means for mounting a supply of resin strip material, said pads in contacting relation being arranged to engage yarn ends held by the retaining means in overlapping relation and engage a section of the resin strip, means for delivering liquid from the receptacle onto the yarn ends and resin section to soften the resin, said element being slidable to effect twisting of the yarn ends while in contact with the softened resin 6. Apparatus for splicing yarnsincluding a receptacle adapted to contain a solvent, an element, means associated with the receptacle mounting said element for slidable and pivotal movement relative to the receptacle, pads of yieldable material mounted on said .elementand the receptacle, releasable yarn clamping means mounted by the receptacle, means for mounting a supply of resin strip material, said pads in contacting relation being arranged -to engage yarn ends in overlapping condition and a section of the resin strip, means for projectingsolvent from the receptacle .onto the yarn ends and resin section whereby the solvent softens the resin, said element being slidable to elfect twisting of the yarn ends in contactwith the softened resin to bond the yarn ends together.

7. Apparatus for splicing textile yarns, a frame, a receptacle forming a component of the frame adapted to contain a resin softening media, said frame including spaced parallel portions having slots formed therein, a shaft slidable in said slots, an element pivotally mounted by said shaft and slidable therewith relative to said receptacle, pads mounted on said receptacle and said element, the pad on the receptacle being formed with an opening, means associated with the receptacle adapted to project resin softening media through the opening in the pad carried by the receptacle, means to mount a supply of resin in strip form, and severing means associated with said element for severing ends of yarns and the'strip of resin.

8. Apparatus for splicing textile yarns, a receptacle adapted to contain a solvent, spaced parallel plates associated with the receptacle, each of said plates having a slot formed therein, a shaft slidable in said slots, an element pivotally mounted "by said shaft and slidable therewith relative to said receptacle, pads of yieldable material mounted on said receptacle and said element arranged to engage overlapping yarn ends, releasable yarn retaining means disposed at opposite sides of the receptacle, means on said element adapted to mount a supply of resin in strip form, severing means associated with said element for severing ends of yarns and the strip of resin, means associated with the receptacle adapted to deliver solvent onto one of the pads to soften the resin, and cooperating means on said element and said yarn retaining means adapted to release the yarn retaining means upon slidable movement of the element with the pads in engaging relation.

9. Apparatus for splicing textile yarns, a frame, a receptacle adapted to contain a solvent forming a component of the frame, said frame including spaced parallel portions, each of said portions having a slot formed therein, a shaft slidable in said slots, an element pivotally mounted by said shaft and slidable therewith relative to said receptacle, pads of yieldable material mounted on said receptacle and said element arranged to engage overlapping yarn ends, releasable yarn retaining means disposed at opposite sides of the frame, the pad on the receptacle being formed with an opening, a manually operable solvent ejector associated with the receptacle adapted to project solvent through the opening in the pad carried by the receptacle, means on said element adapted to mount a supply of resin in strip form, severing means associated with said element for severing ends of yarns and the strip of resin, and cooperating means on said element and said yarn retaining means adapted to release the yarn retaining means upon slidable movement of the element with the pads in engaging relation.

10. Apparatus for splicing yarns, in combination, a frame, a receptacle forming a component of the frame, a relatively stationary platen, a relatively movable platen, releasable yarn retaining means carried by the frame and arranged to grip yarns with the ends in overlapping relation, means for supporting a quantity of resinous strip material for supplying sections of the strip for disposition adjacent the overlapping yarnends, means mounted by the movable platen for severing extremities of the yarns and sections from the strip material, said receptacle being adapted to contain a liquid for softening the resinous material, manually operable means adapted for delivering quantities of the liquid onto the overlapping region of the yarns and into contact with the section of resin strip adjacent thereto, said movable platen being arranged to engage the overlapping yarn ends and resin section and to be moved to twist the yarn ends concomitantly with the softening of the resin whereby the softened resin is dispersed onto the yarn ends to effect a resin-bonded splice of the yarns.

11. Apparatus for splicing yarns, in combination, a frame, a receptacle forming a component of the frame, a relatively stationary platen of yieldable material, a relatively movable platen, releasable yarn retaining means carried by the frame and arranged to hold yarn ends in overlapping contiguous relation, means for supporting a quantity of resinous strip material for supplying sections of the strip for disposition adjacent the yarn ends, means mounted by the movable platen for severing extremities of contiguously arranged yarns and sections from the strip material, said severing means being arranged whereby to provide a severed section of the resinous strip of greater length than the length of overlap of the contiguous yarn ends, said receptacle being adapted to contain a liquid for softening the resinous material, manually operable means associated with the receptacle adapted for delivering quantities of the liquid onto the overlapping region of the yarns and into contact with the section of resin strip adjacent thereto, said movable platen having a portion of yieldable material arranged to engage the overlapping yarn ends and resin section and to be moved to twist the yarn ends concomitantly with the softening of the resin whereby the softened resin is dispersed onto the yarn ends at the region of overlap to effect a resin-bonded splice of the yarns, and means for releasing the yarn retaining means upon movement of the movable platen toward yarn twisting position.

12. Apparatus for splicing yarns, in combination, a receptacle, a relatively stationary pad mounted by the receptacle, a relatively movable element having a pad portion, releasable yarn retaining means arranged to engage yarn ends disposed in overlapping contiguous relation, means on said element for supporting a quantity of resinous strip material for supplying sections of the strip for disposition adjacent the yarn ends, means mounted by the movable platen for severing extremities of the contiguously arranged yarns and sections from the strip material, said severing means being arranged whereby to provide a severed section of the resinous strip of greater length than the length of overlap of the contiguous yarn ends, said receptacle being adapted to contain a liquid for softening the resinous material, a manually operable ejector means associated with the receptacle adapted for delivering quantities of the liquid onto the overlapping region of the yarns and into contact with the section of resin strip adjacent thereto, the pad of said movable element being arranged to engage the overlapping yarn ends and resin section and to be moved to twist the yarn ends concomitantly with the softening of the resin whereby the softened resin is dispersed onto the yarn ends at the region of overlap to effect a resin-bonded splice of the yarns, and means for releasing the yarn retaining means upon move ment of the element toward yarn twisting position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,970,755 Knoll Aug. 21, 1934 2,005,129 Chase June 18, 1935 2,279,299 Cavanaugh Apr. 14, 1942 2,449,349 Waugh et al Sept. 14, 1948 2,489,252 Anderson Nov. 29, 1949 2,863,492 Chang et al Dec. 9, 1958 OTHER REFERENCES Materials in Design Engineering, January 1958, article entitled Joining and Fastening Plastics, Malcolm W. Riley, pages 129, 130, and 134. 

1. A METHOD OF SPLICING TEXTILE YARNS INCLUDING THE STEPS OF DISPOSING YARN ENDS IN OVERLAPPING RELATION, DEPOSITING A LINEAR BODY OF SOFTENABLE RESIN AT THE ZONE OF OVERLAP OF THE YARN ENDS, TWISTING THE OVERLAPPING YARNS ENDS IN THE PRESENCE OF THE RESIN BODY, DELIVERING A RESIN-SOFTENING LIQUID ONTO THE RESIN OF OVERLAP OF THE 